How I Created a Personalized Children’s Story Photo Book Gift for Mother’s Day for Less Than $10

Make an adorable personalized children’s photo story book gift for less than $10 with Groupon and a smartphone app for Mother’s Day!

With Mother’s Day rapidly approaching, have you picked out the perfect gift to show your loved one how much they mean to you?

This year I wanted to make a personal gift for my mother-in-law for all that she does for my family. She has taught my boys some very valuable life skills and lessons. My boys always come home from her house having learned something new! She’s has taught them a lot about the outdoors like gardening, hiking, and wild life among many other things. My boys love to help out in the yard whenever they get home and that’s always great because I want active, smart boys that spend time outside instead of in front of the TV or phone.

I’m hardly ever worried about my boys coming home loaded with sugar, not getting enough sleep, or picking up bad habits because she’s an amazing grandmother and caretaker that knowing my boys are in her care puts me at ease! She has brought so many wonderful things to my boys’ lives that no one else could ever do and as a parent, I’m so thankful for that! I know that my boys are so much better off knowing and spending time with her and that they will have better lives and futures because of it!

I’ve been thinking a lot about what I wanted to do for her on Mother’s Day because sending flowers just didn’t seem to really grasp the appreciation my family has for her but I also didn’t want to spurge on money either. I came across the idea of creating my own story book when my 4 year old tried to read one of his books to me. I thought, “Wow wouldn’t that be cool to write a story about my boys’ relationship with their grandma?” I just didn’t know how to do it yet.

When my husband and I got married 6 years ago, I created a photo book for our families and sponsors as a “Thank You” for all they did to support us. I had used Groupons then to purchase deals to make 25 different photo books and I saved tons of money doing so! I wanted to make a book that looked like a children’s cartoon so I searched for available iOS apps that would turn my photos into cartoon-like sketches!

How I Created a Personal Children’s Story Photo Book Gift for Mother’s Day for Less Than $10

For this project, I used the Photo Sketch app that has 10+ free sketch styles, 15+ textures, and the ability to modify each style’s brightness, transparency, stroke width, contrast, etc. After turning my camera photos into beautiful sketches, I then used a simple photo editor app to adjust each photo for remove hard lines and allow for flow and smoothness.

Effects I recommend for this project:

Blurring – Blur the hard lines with the background to soften transition of photo to background

Vignette effect – works great on black backgrounds and some apps even have White Vignette which is what I used for this project

Frames – Add a frame around each photo to erase hard lines

Here are some of the iOS Apps I’ve used to edit my photos:

Effects Studio ($1.99) – I got this when it was available FREE for a limited time – What I used for this project

Effexy ($0.99) – Also a wonderful app that I got when it was available for free

After I completed edited each photo, I used a creative design app to add my children’s story, blend images together, and to adjust dimensions to fit the photo book (for this project I needed 8×8″ photos).

USEFUL TIPS

If you don’t have a photo of exactly what you need, you can always use Amazon product photos (which is what I used) or stock photos from multiple free websites like Unsplash.

Lastly, I went onto Groupon and searched for their latest deals on photo books and was able to find many different deals with companies like: Shutterfly, Collage.com, Printerpix, Photobook America, Snapfish, Dinkleboo.com, and York Photo. I recommend finding a deal on hardcover photo books and definitely check out the fine print and each website before purchasing to browse what they have available beforehand.

For this project, I purchased a Groupon for a 20-page 8×8″ hardcover photo book for just $5.00 (originally $27.99) from York Photo! An alternative website to try and find a great deal is LivingSocial.

The design process was very simple and had a step-by-step guide on how to use your photo book maker. You can preview the photo book and you must Approve it before purchasing. Don’t forget to add your Groupon Voucher and you’ll only have to pay for Shipping & Handling Fees!

This is a slideshow of how our children’s story book turned out:

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

The best part of this gift is the fact that my boys helped me put the story together! They’re going to be as excited as their Mimi when they see it! I think I definitely found a worthy gift for a wonderful person!

Can you believe I made this for less than $10.00?!If you’re a mother or grandmother, what was the best gift you ever got on Mother’s Day?
Did you like this gift idea for Mother’s Day?
What ideas do you have for a Mother’s Day gift?

I would love to hear from you! Please share with me your thoughts by leaving me a comment!

Thanks so much for visiting Mommy Engineering! I hope you enjoyed this post! Please share this post with your friends! Thanks!

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Related

What a fun idea for a MIL! I usually make photo books, but this is a great alternative!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Thank you! <3

Jenn Goggin

Great Idea! I love phonebooks, I get one made after each family vacation as a great way to keep all the pictures together. Love checking groupon for deals

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Groupon has some of the best deals for photo books! It’s such a great gift!

mardenecarr

I love personalized gifts. It makes me think that the person really gave it some thought. Even if it is not perfect, it is the thought that counts.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Exactly! It truly is the thought that counts!

Heather Staggs Garcia

I love the idea of photo books as gifts! I’ve given several for Christmas and they are such a personal present. I’m sure your mother in law will love this one!!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I hope so! Thanks for visiting! I agree that they make awesome gifts!

Amber Nelson

That is so much fun. I love personalized gifts, they really do make the best gifts!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Absolutely!

Elizabeth Colette

What a great idea for a gift. I love photo books and so does my mother-in-law. Thanks for the great information.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I hope you find a great gift! Thanks for stopping by!

arita muhaxheri

this is just brilliant , I’m so making one for this Mothers day<3 thank you love

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

thank you!

Nicole Anderson

It would be just about impossible to think of anything that could possibly top this as a mother’s day present! I had no idea that this could be done like this and for the minimal cost. Just fabulous. I will be passing this on for sure.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

thanks for sharing! Such an amazing gift that’s so inexpensive!

Muna Kenny

It’s creative and beautiful idea! This is the best gift to present on Mother’s day.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

thanks!

http://www.terristeffes.com Terri Steffes

How fun is that! The gift will be so appreciate but putting it together had to be a fun memory, too. Thanks for sharing!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

It was a fun activity for me and the boys! Thanks for stopping by!

http://www.raisingfairiesandknights.com Hil D

That is such a cute idea for a present. Who knew you could make your own book look like a colouring book?!?!?!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I know! These phone apps are darn amazing lol!

Kristina Pache-Ferency

Very cute and creative idea for Mothers Day. This would be a great gift and would be very memorable.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Absolutely! Talk about personalized! It was fun to write the story and create the sketch photos!

Maria Manlangit

That’s no neat! I use desygner also! But I never thought about making a personalized childrens photo book. That’s really cool, actually. Thanks for sharing.
–https://imommy.co

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

i love that app! it doesn’t crash nearly as much as canva does lol! thx for stopping by!

Sondra Barker

This is so neat! I love canva! This is so personal and creative but maintains a cost effect stance. Thats for the share.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I can only use canva on my computer, the app is a little glitchy for me! Thanks for stopping by!

http://www.redefiningherstory.blog Ej Nosilla

Wow… this was a great Mother’s Day idea… I shared on Twitter. I really enjoyed exploring your blog and I want you to know… that I will be back! I also have told my children this is something I would like for them to do for me and it doesn’t cost them too much… .just their time… and I live by it’s the thought that counts…. stay blessed Queen and thanks!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Thanks so much for sharing this! I’ve explored your blog and I love how well-written your posts are but mostly because they are from the heart! I love your cause and you are such a strong woman for what you endured as a single mom of color! I love how your struggles has empowered you to try to improve your community where you see fit! Keep it up 🙂 You are doing great 🙂

David Elliott

Those personalized story books are awesome. You take a bunch of pictures that you have and you put them together to tell a unique story. I used to love making those for my trips to Disneyland with my daughter. They are awesome.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I love photo books and admit I hardly use them for special occasions. i really wanted to create my own story and make a book and didn’t really know any brand currently allowing that right now! Thanks so much for visiting and sharing your thoughts!

militaryfamof8

This is such a great idea! I would love to do this for my Mother in law from the kids.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I think your mother in law would love a gift like this 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

Milton

This is a beautiful custom made book and a really meaningful gift idea! Awesome!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Thank you! Thanks for visiting!

Catherine Rahm

This is genius! I love that you got the pictures to look like sketches! Brilliant and so creative. Thank you for sharing!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I really wanted to use my own pictures but create a children’s book so this was the only way I knew how! I just didn’t know I could create the sketches in color so I was so happy to find apps that let me do that! Thanks so much for visiting!

Neha Saini

This is a great idea! Personalized memories 🙂 This gift will be so appreciable but putting it together had to be a fun memory, too.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

It was! I’m sure my boys are going to love it just as much knowing that they were a part of putting it together! Thanks so much for visiting!

Brooke

How clever are you!! Such a simple yet genius idea. Thanks so much for sharing!!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Aw thank you! I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for visiting!

http://www.cityscape-bliss.com Tereza Cityscape Bliss

Oh man this is so cool – I don’t have children but I’m totally going to make some for my parents with us kids or maybe even for myself with the cats haha! Beautiful! x

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

haha I love the idea with the cats! You definitely don’t need to have kids of your own, maybe making one for your parents would be a cool blast from the past experience for them! <3 thanks so much for sharing your thoughts!

Ra’Nesha Wilson

I love the idea it’s personalized and inexpensive. I love gifts with a personal touch.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

It’s truly the thought that counts! I’m just glad I was able to make a tangible gift to match that thought! Thanks so much for visiting!

Amanda Love

I’ve never made a photobook like this before. I think it’s awesome! I love the concept and it’s a great way to keep memories as well.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I love making photobooks! Most are already pre-designed for different occasions and it’s really cool for wedding gifts! I started the photobook from scatch. I picked a simple theme and then erased the reloaded images to add my own full-page images. Thanks so much for visiting!

Mai C.

This is really sweet and I’m sure you mom will appreciate this too. It’s a lovely idea and it’s a unique gift that only she will have.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Thanks! I’m hoping she will like it! I’m just so glad I was able to find something other than flowers 😛 thanks for visiting!

Tonya Wilhelm

What a great idea! I made a photo book for my Mom and she cried. She was so happy. Great idea for those thinking about it.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Haha, photo books have a way of bringing out some great emotions! Thanks so much for visiting!

lexhan

good idea for a great mothers day gifting. photo-book can be such a fun gift, showing alot of love and memories all in one. this is so cute.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

They are and I’m so glad that groupon/livingsocial has made it affordable! Thanks for visiting!

Jessica Taylor

That is adorable! I would love to get something like this for Mother’s Day. Personalized gifts are the best!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I know! I love when they are personalized! Thanks so much for visiting!

http://www.simplymombailey.com SimplyMomBailey

Seriously, this so cute. such an amazing idea. I’m definitely agent to give it a try during my next chance. Thanks for this!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Let me know how it turns out! thanks so much for visiting!

Jeanine @ sixtimemommy.com

What an amazing idea. I wouldn’t ever think to do something like this. I should hint to my husband, I’d love something like this!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Dropping hints is great lol, send me his email I’d do it for you haha! Thanks so much for visiting!

erin fesperman

What a great gift idea! I love that you were able to do it for less than $10! This way, all the grandparents and great aunts can get one!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Exactly! I wanted a thoughtful gift but nothing that would break the bank! I do have 2 kids to keep alive after all 🙂 Thanks so much for visiting!

http://www.almost-kosher.net Almost Kosher

I adore this! What a wonderful idea–I’m totally going to pin this for future ideas. Thank you!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Aw thank you! Thanks so much for saving this! I hope you will try it in the future! Thanks for visiting!

http://www.elizabethskitchendiary.co.uk Elizabeth

What a super gift idea this is! I’ll have to drop a not so subtle hint to my husband to make one! 🙂

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Dropping not so subtle hints to my husband is like an everyday affair for me lol. Fortunately I blog so he could technically read my thoughts too 🙂 Thanks so much for visiting!

JustOneMommysOpinion

This is adorable! What a creative and unique gift! I would love one of these for Mother’s Day 🙂

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Aren’t they so cute? Time to be dropping some hints to your kids and/or hubby lol ! Thanks so much for visiting!

Lauren Kunin

I love this gift idea. Mimi is going to love it! What an adorable story…I read through it. Thank you for sharing. And pre happy Mother’s Day to you as well..you’re a great mom.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Mimi will love it! I’m so glad I was able to find the perfect gift idea! Thanks so much for visiting! Happy Mother’s Day! 🙂

http://www.airingmylaundry.com Amber

I so love this idea! I’m all about unique gifts. I might have to make one of these.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

That’s awesome! So glad you liked it! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Robin Rue

This is such a lovely idea. What mother wouldn’t just LOVE this?

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

RIGHT?! haha, I hope so! Thanks so much for visiting!

http://everydaymadefresh.com Joanna @ Everyday Made Fresh

What a lovely Mother’s Day gift idea! I really love the sketch look, and what mom wouldn’t love to have one of these!?

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I know! the sketch look just totally puts this together for me! Thanks so much for visiting!

Alicia Vanatta

This is such a cute idea for kids to give moms on Mother’s Day!!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Thanks! Thanks for visiting!

Janel Berchielli

Those look like some very creative apps that I hadn’t heard about before. I will have to get them a try and see if I like them. I do love canva though it’s one of my favorite sites to create stuff for my blog

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Definitely, I love that most are free or affordable and you can exercise some of your creative side! Canva is great and when I’m on my computer that is what I use. I definitely use the Desygner app more on my phone because it doesn’t crash nearly as often LOL! Thanks so much for visiting!

Allison Lancaster

This is an awesome idea for Mother’s Day! I really love the sketch idea look and using photos is a perfect gift for any mom!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Absolutely! thanks so much for visiting!

http://analuisadejesus199.wix.com/fadedspring Ana De Jesus

Personalized books do normally cost a lot of money but this photo sketch idea is a really lovely personal touch, I might look into it for future projects x

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

They can get costly so using groupon or livingsocial is such a great way to keep your costs low! Thanks so much for visiting!

http://toughcookiemommy.com/ Maria – Tough Cookie Mommy

I love personalized gifts like these for Mother’s Day. It lets moms know that you took the time out to create such a sweet gift for them.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Aww thanks! Thanks so much for visiting!

Janella Panchamsingh

I have not even looked for a gift yet. and the time is approaching so fast

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I felt the same way too! I hope you find the perfect gift! Thanks so much for visiting!

Laura Romberger

This book is such a sweet creation. Making it yourself makes it so much more special too.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Thanks! I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for visiting!

Aireona93

This would be a great gift for my mother and mother-in-law. I didn’t even know this was an option in the past.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I’m so glad I was able to show you what a great option this is! I hope you give it a try! How can you beat this personalized gift for under $10! Thanks so much for visiting!

http://www.adrianasbestrecipes.com/ Adriana Martin

How thoughtful and lovely this portrait is. Photography allows us to keep alive so many great memories we create with those we love.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Thanks so much!

Journa Liz Servito Ramirez

I love this.. It’s budget friendly.. and the fact that it is personalized makes it great and special! Perfect mothers day gift!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Those budget-friendly things is what I LIVE for! haha! Thanks so much for visiting! So glad you like it!

I love the results that you have achieved with these apps – and the lovely book that you have created! I thought that you just used a service, but you made it truly handmade – love it!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Thanks! I’m so glad you like it! Thanks so much for stopping by!

Sona Sethi

This book is so warm and personable. Love the way you have used the apps and technology to make it happen.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I just love how far technology has come to make this reality! Thanks so much for visiting!

http://www.michenn.com michenn

Awww this is a really cute idea!! And it’s so creative! I’m sure any mothers heart will be touched if they receive this.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Thank you!

Jessi Joachim

This is too cute! I should do something like this for my mom, I know she would love it. The price is really spot on as well and easy to afford.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Exactly! I’m so glad you liked it! Thanks for visiting!

Cindy Nicoletti

This is adorable. I love the idea. So affordable.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Thank you!

Lauren Cheely

Oh wow, what an adorable idea. I would love someone to do this for me of my son for mother’s day!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

It’s so cute! Start dropping some major hints girl! haha, thanks for visiting!

Yuen Mi

What a great, and sentimental idea. I know my mother would love, and at under $10? What a steal!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I know! There is no need to spend a lot of money on gifts really, it’s truly the thought that counts 🙂 Thanks for visiting!

http://livingthegourmet.com/ Lady Gourmet

What a beautiful idea for Mother’s Day…this is a wonderful gift.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Thank you! I’m so glad you like it!

Kindness In Demand

I love this idea. I want to make my kids some for Christmas. Saving this for later.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Thanks! I’m sure this would be a great idea for Christmas too!

Lori Vachon

What a fun idea that’s creative & from the heart! Those are the gifts cherished the most!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Me too! 🙂 Thanks so much for visiting!

http://www.primebeautyblog.net PrimeBeauty

This is such a fun and unique Mother’s Day gift. I always love homemade gifts because they are something you want to treasure forever.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

So very true! Thanks so much for visiting!

Candice McReynolds

That is such a great gift and gesture! Your mil is such a blessing. Enjoy your Mother’s Day!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Thank you! She is a blessing 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!

Shannon Graham

That’s amazing! It can get pricey doing presents like that!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I know! That’s why I love Groupon haha! Great deals! Thanks so much for visiting!

Angela Milnes

Wow, It really looks good and sweet idea for Mothers day. I bet my mom would love this too

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I bet she would! Thanks so much for visiting! So glad you liked it!

http://www.natalielovesbeauty.com/ Natalie Loves Beauty

I love affordable DIYs! This is such a great personalized gift idea for Mother’s Day.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Me too! I’m all for DIY gifts so this was just a bonus for being super inexpensive! Thanks for visiting!

Jean Standley

This is such a cute gift, I’m sure it’ll go down well! I love to give photo gifts, its so nice to do something personalised. Plus shopping for good deals is definitely a winner!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Absolutely, I totally agree with you and I’m so glad you liked this! Thanks for visiting!

CourtneyLynne Storms

Omg what a cute photo book!!! This would really make a great gift for any holiday!!!! I don’t know anyone who wouldn’t just love getting photos!

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

I know ! Just takes a little imagination .. and the right app haha! Thanks for visiting, so glad you enjoyed it!

Leo T. Ly

This sounds like a fun idea for the kids to choose the pictures to make it for grandma. I think my mom would love to have on of these gifts.

http://www.mommyengineering.com Mommy Engineering

Absolutely! Though I believe most moms would! Thanks so much for visiting 🙂

Chi

This idea is very interesting! Thanks for your sharing! I think it’s very sweet:) All moms would like this so much:)

http://www.LinsFood.com Azlin Bloor

Photo books make such fantastic gifts. I love the convenience of it, ready templates that you can just “fill in”. Must look at getting one for father’s day!

http://www.bestofthislife.com/ Emily // The Best of this Life

This is such a creative and personal gift – I absolutely love it! I know any mom would be so touched to receive it.

Nikki

That is such a cute and totally unique idea! I know your mom is going to love it. As much as I love ready-made photo books (where you just slap in the picture and go), doing it this way really shows you put your heart into it.

Jalisa Marie

I love these types of gifts. You can have them for reference and not just for a one time thing.

http://www.thepeachkitchen.com/ Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen

This is very creative of you! I love that it is personalized and it not so expensive!

http://www.briebrieblooms.com/ Heather

What a nice Mother’s Day gift idea. This is a great project for so many holiday gifts!

Chanel van Reenen

This is an amazing idea and I wish I would have thought about it sooner! I love that it can work for any occasion and you cannot beat the price point!

Nikki Arnold

I love the idea of a personalized photo book because I did this for my mom last year and she loved it. I would like my kids to do this for me, but I’m not sure my hubs would think of that hahaha.

HilLesha

It has been awhile since I’ve made a personalized photo book, but I do agree that they make wonderful gifts! I think I need to create another one sometime soon, especially since my family and I have created so many memories since the last time I’ve made a photo book.

http://allaboutgoodvibes.com Molly

I have never know of these apps before but have tried ones that just make a collage of pictures you have on your smart phone. This looks a lot more personal.

Emily Sy

This is a great idea. I love photo books and for less than 10 bucks that’s a great deal. With our smart phones, it’s easier to take shots and create these cute photo books which would make an awesome Mother’s Day gift.

Casey Fossett Powers

How very creative and it turns out fantastic! No bearing that gift…she will love it!

Dani

Unfortunately I STILL am procrastinating on my mothers day gift. I can’t believe I have waited so long.

http://www.krystalskitsch.com/ Krystal

What a sweet way to celebrate mom! I haven’t made a photo book in a long time.

Tiara Wilson

Oh my goodness, this is absolutely beautiful. I would love to make one of these for my kiddos. Thank you for sharing this beautiful gift. I love it. <3